Welcome to BearQuake 2024
On behalf of Bears San Diego, and the BearQuake 2024 Steering Committee, we are pleased to welcome you to our weekend celebration.
BearQuake grew out of an idea of forming an alliance between the various clubs in Southern California and elsewhere. A “Bear Weekend” was planned where we could all get together and get to know each other. The success of that first weekend has become “BearQuake”.
The concept has remained the same: a weekend full of activities that are fun and exciting, a price tag that makes it worthwhile, and an opportunity to make new friends and visit with old ones.
The weekend has also become a major fund raising event helping raise funds for many local and national charities over the years. The Beneficiaries for this years events will be donated to help out Special Delivery San Diego and the Lambda Uptown Alano Club.
We hope you enjoyed joining us this weekend, felt the Community Love, and were free to be your authentic self.
Tonight’s Mr Bear Contest and Show theme is all about Community and being Proud of who you are. Together we can make change and today we know all so well that our future is uncertain and we must band together to make that change happen.
Much Love and Bear Hugs,
DonnieVella PresidentBearsSanDiego
About Bears San Diego
Bears San Diego is a club for bears and bear fanciers. We are based in San Diego, California but we have members throughout the United States and even a few from overseas. Bears San Diego was established in San Diego in October 1994 when a need was recognized for a group who did not fit in with the main stream gays.
In 2003 Bears San Diego took the next step and began our journey to become a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We finalized the process in the summer of 2006 when Bears San Diego got it’s final approval from the Internal Revenue Service to do business as a Non-Profit Organization.
Bears San Diego’s purpose is to bring together men of common interest on a social basis, providing events at a local bar, den night at member’s homes, outings to movies, restaurants, the zoo and parties with other Bear Clubs. These gatherings give participants the opportunity to actually meet other bears and admirers to create new friendships.
Contact Info:
Bears San Diego, PO Box 3151, San Diego CA 92163 www.bearssd.org
Bears
San Diego Board of Directors
Donnie Vella President
Kurt Wendelborg Vice President
Jeff Rosenfeld Treasurer
Don Riggs Secretary
Jeff Breeze Membership / Social Chairman
David Ferguson Public Relations
Pat Peterson- Espinoza Member-at-Large
Schedule of Events
Thursday, October 17th
BearQuake Welcome Evernt 6:00 pm
Studio Door Gallery • 3867 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Friday, October 18th
Raising The Bear Flag 6:00 pm
Hillcrest Pride Flag • 1500 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Mr Bear Contestant & Judge Meet ‘N’ Greet 7:00 pm
AWOL Bar • 1475 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Saturday, October 19th
Bear Bingo with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence 1:00 pm
PECS • 2046 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Truck Stop Tea Dance 5:00 pm
Rich’s San Diego • 1051 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Sunday, October 20th
Bear Bear Brunch 11:00 am
The Rail • 3796 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Mr. Bear Contest & Show 4:00 pm
Rich’s San Diego • 1051 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Program Schedule
Sunday Night, ber 22, 2023
Cirque De L'Ours
Performace &
Mr. Bear San Diego
20 3 Contest
Welcome & Greetings
Lady Ajax/Angel Fairfax
Mr. Bear San Diego 23 Step Aside
Silent Auction Winners
Winner of Mr. Bear San Diego 20 3
Mistresses of CereMonies
?AJ Turner
AJ is The Ruby Empress XL of the The Imperial Court de San Diego, and Sister Amanda Reckenwith of The San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. AJ has also been a co-producer of San Diego Leather Pride, and a permanent performer for The San Diego Golden Girls. AJ is a prominent figure in our San Diego LGBTQ+ community and has
been a long-time supporter of Bears San Diego.
Preformers & Entertainment
Meet the Judges for Mr. Bear san diego 2025 M
Tamanava Eden-McLintock
Ms. Goldilocks 2018 - Ms. San Diego Leather, 2017
Sir Tammy is a 51 year old, San Diego native. She is married, bisexual, polyamorous, a mother, and is both covered & a collared Switch. She comes from a mixed heritage and lives the motto, “In service to others, there is service to self.”
Sir Tammy is a member of several groups, including the LGBTQIA+, Leather, Kink, and Pagan communities. Her interactions and problem solving spirit have led her to take on many leadership roles—from presenting BDSM education at UCSD, to holding the titles of ICSD Ms. Cinco de Mayo 2016, Ms. San Diego Leather 2017, & Miss Goldilocks San Diego 2018, to serving nowadays as a local contest judge.
People say her fetish list is almost as long as her community service resume, as she holds long standing memberships in many clubs and organizations including Bears San Diego, Hardpink Sisterhood, and The Onyx Pearls Southwest Lustre chapter. Sir Tammy holds a variety of awards, degrees, and certificates in Education, Nutrition, Sewing, and Theology.
In her vanilla life, she is the sole Proprietor of Broomsticks Designs, enjoys cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends.
While she has been locally nicknamed “The Scary Judge,” Sir Tammy is really a very shy, quiet observer who in the end wants to help others live their best lives!
Meet the Judges for Mr. Bear san diego 2025 M
Everardo Aguilar
Mr. San Diego Bear 2001, California Grizzly Bear in 2005
Everardo is a native Southern Californian. Originally from Los Angeles, he moved to San Diego in 1986 to attend law school and graduated in 1989. He continues to work in the legal field part time. In 1993 his career shifted to HIV prevention education, and he became an HIV test counselor. Everardo coordinated numerous programs promoting HIV awareness and eventually expanded into other areas of public health including immunizations. Everardo is currently a Research Assistant at UCSD working on an HIV related research project.
Everardo has been a member of Bears San Diego since the late 90’s and won the title of Mr. Bear San Diego in 2001 on his second try. At the time Everardo was the third person to win the title, he was the youngest person to win the title and the first person of color. He is the longest reigning Mr. Bear San Diego and is affectionately known as Grandpa Bear.
Everardo also has the distinction of being the first California Grizzly Bear in 2005, a title sponsored by Cubs Club of California. In 2002 Everardo competed in Mr. So. Cal. Bear and Mr. International Bear contests. He competed for Mr. International Bear again in 2006. Everardo has judged many Bear and Leather contests in San Diego and throughout the state. He has also served as Contestant Daddy for many contests, most recently last month’s San Diego Cub contest.
Everardo is proud and honored to be a judge for the Mr. Bear San Diego contest once more and wishes the contestants the best of luck!
Meet the Judges for Mr. Bear san diego 2025 M
Eric Crow
Mr. San Diego Bear 2003, Mr. San Diego Eagle 2005
Mr. Long Beach Leather 2019
Eric Crow has been part of the Bear and Leather community for 23 years, getting his start as a titleholder in 2003 when he became Mr. San Diego Bear 2003 (#5 in the line). He has also been Mr. San Diego Eagle 2005 and Mr. Long Beach Leather 2019, where along with Jody Mitchell and 8 other California titleholders, became part of the “Brotherhood of the Medallion” at IML in 2022 (FORTY-FOUR!).
Eric has also been involved with The 15 Association, Mama’s Family In Leather, AIDS Life Cycle, Strength For the Journey, Cubs Club of California, San Diego League of Gentlemen, BiForum/BiPol San Diego, MCC-San Diego and more.
Eric enjoys painting, photography and digital music composition, but believes he was put on Earth to be a writer, and puts out books now and then for worthy causes or titleholder fundraisers.
Eric has always identified as a Leatherbear Switch and believes that one of the best ways to get to know yourself is to realize and explore the hybrid in each of us, however it shows up.
Meet the Judges for Mr. Bear san diego 2025 M
Tonja Alvis
MS GSGRA 2024
Tonja Alvis was born in Tacoma, WA. At school Tonja was a very active part of every club possible. She was a library aide, worked in the cafeteria, and as a Special Olympics Aide. Tonja joined the chess club and DECA. In woodshop, she made cribbage boards, built bridges, and house signs. Tonja also played flag football, basketball, and lettered in cross country and softball.
Tonja graduated from SUNY Albany with a BS degree in Digital Forensics making school history by being 1 of 7 people to graduate with this new degree. She was 1 of 13 couples to fight against the State of New York for the right to marry, which was won at the Supreme Court level.
After graduation Tonja moved to Phoenix and then to San Diego. She dove deep into San Diego’s gay community with an exuberant and energetic personality. Tonja rejoined IGRA by joining GSGRA and ran for MS GSGRA 2024. Being a rodeo contestant again, after a 26 year absence, she wore her favorite color and signature neon pink with hopes of invitations to finals in calf roping and wild drag! Rodeo is life!
In her free time Tonja enjoys sunny days by the pool, walking by the beach, reading and volunteering. She would like to take this opportunity to thank all her friends, family, and the GSGRA team for their love, support and believing in her.
See 1, Do 1, Teach 1, Lead 1! Be the difference you wanna see! Cowgirl up!
Meet the Contestants for Mr. Bear san diego 2025
Jorge “Jimmy” Trimble
Jimmy is a Californian native, born in LA but lived most of his life in the SF Bay Area. As a man of trans experience, Jimmy has been transitioning (FTM) since 2012. Jimmy moved to San Diego in 2023 together with his husband Giovanni (who is an artist, therapist and leather worker).
Jimmy has been involved in the San Francisco Bear community, and since moving to San Diego, has been involved with Bears San Diego. He is also an active member of the San Diego Gay Mens Chorus. Jimmy has found the San Diego community very kind, welcoming and loving. A special shout out to Everardo Aguilar and David Cordova for their most warm welcome.
It has taken Jimmy a long time to feel comfortable enough to feel a sense of belonging and to find his space. He hopes his presence as a trans man will contribute by demonstrating inclusion and celebrating the different gender experiences. Jimmy has always loved his bear brothers and felt safe with them. He hopes to return that sense of safety and looks forward to a deeper involvement in the bear community and the San Diego LGBTQIA+ community at large.
Meet the Contestants for Mr. Bear san diego 2025
Jim Hannan
Jim was born in Burbank and grew up in North Hollywood and Orange County. He later moved to the San Diego area. Jim was a care giver for his mother for over 20 years, and toward the end of that time, met his first husband Jim Campbell. In a brief span of time, he lost his mother followed far too soon by his husband Jim.
Just before the death of his husband, Jim had an opportunity to attend a Bears San Diego event where he met David, Mr. Bear San Diego 2019, and they ended up becoming good friends. David helped Jim cope with his grief and serious illness. They have been together for over 5 years and ended up getting married and building a new life together.
Jim enjoys listening to classical music, attending events like symphony, opera, stage plays and movies, art museums, fine dining, great wine and travel. Jim is a gay fetish male who enjoys dabbling in leather, flogging and impact play, bondage, and isolation. He continues to develop skills and knowledge of various fetishes.
In the early 2000’s, Jim became aware of the bear lifestyle, and shortly thereafter, became a part of the Bears San Diego family, and has been a member ever since.
Meet the Contestants for Mr. Bear san diego 2025 M
Javier Araujo
Javier identifies as a non-binary Chub/ Bear and has always been a big person who has always felt comfortable in their body. They admire and encourage all body types and believes our community should be all inclusive of all shapes and sizes. Growing up in a “machista” environment, they faced discrimination in and out of the community. Javier would like to create a safe space to make everyone feel welcome.
Javier has built their self from the ground up and has become established in the San Diego Drag community. They believe that Bears and Drag benefit from each other by supporting each other and takes pride in representing both communities.
Javier has been a long-time supporter of Drag and Bear community events such as the Holiday Toy Drive, the Scott Carlson Dinner, Blanket Drive, Easter Egg Hunt, Bear Picnic, and Pictionary with Sister Ida. They have also had the honor to perform at the Mr. Bear San Diego contest in 2022.
Javier believes in creating spaces for people to enjoy the art of drag and has even starred in a TV show – Drag Latina Season 2.
Since 1981 we’ve been welcoming the LGBTQ community through our doors, and created a safe haven for drinks, fun, and good times. Stop in today and say hi – we’ll pour you a drink and show you a good time.
San Diego’s Gay Dive Bar in Hillcrest
Our Mr. Bear San Diego Brotherhood
Bears San Diego Charities
Bears San Diego 2024 Charities
Special Delivery San Diego has been saving lives and filling bellies with nourishment since 1991. They are a non-profit organization with a staff that is 100% volunteer! They currently cook and deliver fresh, homemade and nutritious meals to 130+ individuals and families five days a week!
Special Delivery’s mission is to alleviate hunger and malnourishment for those living with AIDS, Cancer and other critical illnesses & to people medically homebound throughout the San Diego community. Fresh, wholesome food is prepared, infused with love and home-delivered to feed both the body and the soul.
Lambda Uptown Alano Club
In partnership with 12-Steppers, Inc. The Lamba Uptown Alano Club’s mission is to provide a centralized, safe, dignified and permanent Alano Clubhouse for all different types of 12-Step Meetings, Recovery Education and Sober Comradery. It will also be available to host Sober gatherings and celebrations and have an array of 12-Step Literature and Tokens, etc.
Ultimately, they envision an entire Sober Community that will include long-term LGBT2SP+ Senior Sober Living for those who identify as Women and Women Vets either on top of the Alano Club or adjacent to on the property. This property must be owned as renting/leasing long term is untenable for specialized Non-Profits.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Donors
Diamond Sponsor
Rich’s Nightclub San Diego
Platinum Sponsors
AWOL Bar San Diego The Merrow
Mo’s Bar & Grill Humanity
BearSkn Underwear Grawrr Shop
Donnie Vella Pat Peterson-Espinoza
Gold Sponsors
San Diego Eagle Bar Hillcrest Brewing Company
Barrel & Board Gossip Grill
Baja Betty’s
Electric Tiger Tatoo - Sal Leon
Christine Vella Carolyn McKay Gribble
Alvarado Institute of Skin Care
Gabriel Sotomayor Photography
Anthony Limon & Jeff McCullough
Jim Hannan & David James (Mr Cub San Diego Contest)
Silver Sponsors
The Rail Inside Out
The Loft San Diego
The Candy Pushers
Blackbear Diner Cafe El Cajon Sisters Pizza
Amarrado - By Angelo Tom Goss
David Wayne Ferguson
Ashtray David
Old Armory Leatherworks Carmen Revelez
Jalisco Mexican Restaurant Ponce’s Restaurant
The Tap Room Texas Roadhouse
The Hillcrest Cutter - Britton Purvis
Hillcrest Business Assoc.
Jade Melrose & “The Golden Girls Show”
The Imperial Court de San Diego
North Coast Repertory Theatre
San Diego Whale Watching Tours
Congratulations to Bears San Diego for the huge accomplishment in serving San Diego for 30 YEARS!
Your legacy is a testament to the power of kindness and devotion. Here's to many more years making a positive impact in our community!
- Earl Gray
Mr. San Diego Leather 2024
BEARQUAKE 2024
30th Anniversary October 20th 2024
